EU-funded projects drive Europe’s digital future on the world
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is on the 17th May each year.
This day shows the continued importance of digital technologies in shaping modern societies
It also draws attention to the need for equal access to connectivity, helping bridge digital divides between regions and communities around the world.
The date commemorates the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865 and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency responsible for digital technologies and global communications cooperation.
This year focuses on connectivity, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation as key tools for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies. Across Europe and beyond, several EU-funded initiatives managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) are demonstrating how technology can improve infrastructure, public services, and digital skills.
Strengthening connectivity in remote regions
One of the featured projects, Nuanua, is helping improve digital resilience in Wallis and Futuna, a French overseas territory located in the South Pacific Ocean. Funded through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF-Digital), the initiative is introducing modern satellite ground infrastructure based on the o3b mPOWER technology in Medium Earth Orbit.
The project aims to provide a reliable alternative connection to the territory’s existing single submarine cable system, helping reduce the risk of service disruptions. Improved connectivity is expected to enhance access to digital services for local communities and support economic and social development in the region.
Environmental sustainability is also part of the initiative. Solar panels will be installed to power the new systems, helping lower the carbon footprint associated with telecommunications infrastructure.
Building Europe’s digital skills
Another project, EURIDICE, focuses on preparing the next generation of digital innovators and leaders. Supported by the Digital Europe Program, the project combines advanced training in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data science with perspectives from law, the humanities, and the social sciences.
The program promotes interdisciplinary, challenge-based learning, encouraging students and researchers to address not only technological issues but also the ethical and societal implications of emerging digital technologies.
EURIDICE aims to create a more human-centred and inclusive approach to digital transformation while strengthening Europe’s long-term competitiveness in the global technology sector.
Helping public services embrace AI
Artificial intelligence is also playing an increasing role in public administration, and the AI4GOV-X project is designed to help governments adapt responsibly to these changes.
Funded through the Digital Europe Program, AI4GOV-X provides training and capacity-building opportunities for civil servants, policymakers, and digital governance professionals. The initiative focuses on helping public sector organisations design, manage, and implement trustworthy AI-driven services.
The project includes practical learning experiences and experimentation across healthcare, education, and mobility. By supporting evidence-based policymaking and digital innovation, AI4GOV-X aims to improve the efficiency and inclusiveness of public services across Europe.
Meanwhile, the Horizon Europe-funded PUNCH project is working on the future of high-performance data communications. The initiative is developing advanced optical switching technologies designed to improve the speed, efficiency, and reliability of modern data networks.
Its solutions aim to reduce network congestion, lower power consumption, and cut transmission costs while maintaining high-quality, low-latency communications. The technologies will be tested in industrial 5G and data centre environments, with experts in photonics, electronics, and telecommunications collaborating on the project.